Product review: Victoire over mantle mirror from MirrorDeco

If you’re at all interested in interiors, you’ll always be on the lookout for mirrors. They’re ideal for changing the light in a room, creating an airy feel and giving the illusion of space. They’re also useful for showing your reflection occasionally!

We take a more detailed look at the Victoire large over mantle mirror in grey/white, from MirrorDeco.

MirrorDeco are a specialist mirror supplier, and their product range is helpfully grouped into three areas: vintage chic, industrial and modern. We chose to review the Victoire mantle mirror from the vintage chic range.

What is an over mantle mirror?

Typically large, these were mirrors originally designed to hang over a fireplace. There are various styles available, but the Victoire has the typical 19th century French arched shape of being flat at the bottom and curved at the top to allow it to fit neatly in the space. Original French antique mirrors almost always have a heavy gilded plaster frame with a wooden backing, and weigh an absolute ton!

The Victoire mirror

 

MirrorDeco’s interpretation of this classic French style has a solid wood frame, with traditional beaded detail and a leaf motif. It’s finished in a soft white-grey aged paint effect, and measures 90cm high by 60cm wide.

What we thought

The delivery service from MirrorDeco was excellent – there were a couple of slight delays in the process and I was notified accordingly each time. When it arrived, the mirror was securely packed in cardboard and plastic wrap, and arrived in perfect condition.

It came with two fixing hooks on the back, but no picture wire, which meant a quick trip to the local DIY shop for some heavy-duty wire. I decided to hang it, not over the fireplace but at the end of the landing, which is a dark, narrow space. This mirror, although a nice, solid weight, is considerably lighter than an antique one – honestly, it takes two people to pick those up!

All the same, I decided to drill a couple of holes in the wall and hang it properly from screws rather than picture hooks. To be honest, that was the hardest part of the job – attaching the wire to the hooks and actually hanging the mirror was a doddle.

I really liked the frame on the this mirror – it’s a traditional pattern, but instead of being gilded it’s been ‘shabby chic’d’ in neutral colours. This gives it a nice, modern twist and stops it feeling old-fashioned.

This mirror is definitely big enough to make a statement, and it’s transformed that dark space at the end of the corridor. I have two lights on the walls either side of the mirror, and it throws the light back onto the landing making it look more welcoming. It’s also a handy place to have a mirror for checking outfits before going downstairs, and this mirror is a good enough size to be very practical as well as decorative.

Price-wise, this is not dirt cheap but I do think it’s good value for money. The quality is nice, and it’s so classic I’m not going to get tired of it any time soon. The neutral colours mean it will complement any decor, as well. You can take a look at the full range from MirrorDeco on their website, or visit their Facebook page for more information.

(Reviewed by Sara Walker)

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